Simple Microcontroller Based Altimeter with OLED Display

Created: Apr 19, 2016

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Description

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Summary

An altimeter is a device that is used to determine the altitude of a body with respect to a reference point. To measure the altitude of the object, a pressure sensor is used. The lower the pressure means the object is at higher altitude and vice versa. This device is a great navigational tool to have in addition to maps and compass.

This project is a microcontroller (MCU) based altimeter with an OLED display. The project uses the MS561101BA03-50 barometric pressure sensor from TE Connectivity Measurement Specialties. Interfaced with the atmega328, the circuit measures the altitude of where it is located. The circuit is connected to each other thru the I2C bus, lessening the connection needed and copper traces in your board layout. The device has an altitude resolution of 10cm. The sensor module includes a high linearity pressure sensor and an ultra low power 24 bit ΔΣ ADC with internal factory calibrated coefficients. It provides a precise digital 24 Bit pressure and temperature value and different operation modes that allow the user to optimize for conversion speed and current consumption. The calibration of an altimeter follows the equation z = cT log (Po /P), where c is a constant, T is the absolute temperature, P is the pressure at altitude z, and Po is the pressure at sea level.

The read data from the sensor is displayed through an OLED display. With this, the device would have a wider viewing angle and improved brightness, which is an advantage to the users. The project can be portable and be used as a wrist-mount or a handheld device.